Bernice Wilson

Bernice was born on August 28, 1915 in the town of Nick Springs, a railroad stop between El Dorado and Lawson in Union County. She was the first child of the late Asa Lewis Newsom and Beulah “Brownie” Bull Newsom.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Louis H. “Willie” Wilson; sister, Hope Robbins; and brothers, Nolan Newsom and Billy Newsom.

She is survived by sister, Faye Powers of Sun City West, Arizona; niece, Vicki Powers-Gustafson (Roger) of Phoenix, Arizona; niece, Renee Kuhnhoff (Bill) of Lawson, MO; and nephew, Rodney Newsom of Independence, MO. She is also survived by step-daughter, Dawn Massey (Dick); their children, Derek Massey (Cheryl), Celia Coon (Everette), Alison Kiburz (John), Bettina England (Greg), Blake Massey (Shannon), and seven step great grandchildren, all of Dallas, Texas.

Bernice graduated Valedictorian of her class from Lawson High School in 1932. She attended Arkansas A&M College (South Arkansas University) in Magnolia, Arkansas, and Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA. She taught school at Lawson, Old Union and Parkers Chapel. She was devoted to her students and had continuing supportive relationships with them throughout many years. She was proud to be included in many class reunions as their honored guest. During World War II, she lived in Chicago with her sister Hope. She worked in the Merchandise Mart Building as a war bond correspondent. She returned to El Dorado upon her engagement to Louis H. “Willie” Wilson. They were married at her parent’s home, in the wedding dress her mother fashioned for her, on January 13, 1946. She ended her teaching career in 1952 and went to work for Lion Oil Company, later Monsanto, in various positions until 1966 when a serious automobile accident ended her working career.

Bernice and Willie joined El Dorado United Methodist Church on Easter Sunday in 1946. She was an active and devoted member throughout her life and served as Secretary of the Administrative Board, President of the Service Class for two years, President of the United Methodist Women’s Organization and received their Mission Award of Services. She was affiliated with the Pilot Club, serving as President and Desk & Derrick, also having served as their President. She was a Worthy Matron of the local chapter of Eastern Star and served as Grand Officer for the State of Arkansas.

She will be remembered for her love and devotion of family, friends, church and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She loved to socialize and entertain her family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and was well known for her pies, casseroles, and her coconut pound cake. She will be remembered, with a laugh and a smile, for her falling asleep at the bridge table, her propensity to always be late, her primping and impeccable appearance, for being Vicki’s Aunt “B”, and her decisiveness and strong will. She was a very traditional, unique, grand southern lady.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Angie Narcisse, her care giver for the past two years; her many supportive and devoted friends; the personnel of John R. Williamson Hospice; Scott Hardin, M.D. and Matt Calloway, M.D.

The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors, 508 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR. Visitation will take place Thursday, September 19, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Young’s. A private family committal service will be held prior to the memorial service. The memorial service will be at El Dorado First United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2013 with Rev. Keith Dodson and Rev. James Rawls officiating.

Memorials in her name may be made to First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Hill, El Dorado 71730; John R.Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730 or Rhodes Chapel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 134, Lawson, AR 71730.